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hen Josh Stieber to separate out the people he was supposed to 5,000 miles by foot and bicycle, and expects was deployed in be fi ghting from civilians. to take eight months. February 2007 as “You don’t know who’s going to attack you “If I’m saying the military is the wrong way a part of the surge and a lot of times, when you get hit or attacked, to solve problems, then I need to show what in Iraq, he was un- you don’t even see who did it,” said Stieber. the right answer is,” he said. “So this trip is aware that what he “Oft en times you end up attacking and hurting about visiting a lot of diff erent organizations Wwas going to experience would change who the people who had nothing to do with it. that focus on bringing people together and he was and how he saw the world. He came “I learned a lot more about people and being proactive and dedicated to solving back transformed, an advocate of non-vio- that it doesn’t matter what country you’re problems in the world non-violently.” lence and opposed to the surge he had been from or if you have a uniform on or not, it’s As Stieber travels across the U.S., he plans a part of. about how you treat people,” he continued. to showcase 12 charitable organizations. He Stieber joined the U.S. Army thinking that “I guess the idea of trying to force everyone selected organizations with goals ranging he was going to prevent terrorism and liberate into liking you or agreeing with you is not from childhood cancer fundraising to recy- the Iraqi people. the way to go about things and often cre- cling old bicycles to micro-lending. “I saw things very black and white, like I ates more enemies and more problems than “My first focus was illustrating the power thought that pretty much whatever my coun- it solves.” of individuals and showing that it’s not only try decided to do was going to be the right Stieber was in Iraq for 14 months. Dur- the government or the president or the gen- answer and thought that, you know, because ing his deployment he was an infantryman erals — or whatever — who make decisions of 911, any action that we took would be justi- working as a Humvee driver, gunner, de- and who affect things, but that common fi ed,” said Stieber. tainee guard and radio operator. ordinary people can change things,” said Stieber’s experiences in Iraq made him Stieber’s tour, which started May 27, is to Stieber. “I tried to look for organizations question such beliefs. He found that the promote non-violence and alternatives to that brought people together.” asymmetrical nature of the war made it hard force. He plans to cover between 4,000 and see STEIBER, page 3

Story by Rhiannon Kirkland, Illustrations by Jen Grond editorial and letters Editor-in-Chief: Cam Cotton-O’Brien 220-7752 [email protected]

News Editor: Katy Anderson 220-4318 How the U of C ruined our summer vacation [email protected] Entertainment: Jordyn Marcellus 220-4376 t’s never too long into the win- of sun, knowing the exam sched- [email protected] ter semester that I begin to get ule early is incredibly benefi cial. Sports: Jon Roe 220-2298 antsy to leave the city come Th at way they are able to tell their [email protected] I Opinions: Ryan Pike 220-2298 spring and summer. Th is year, un- employers when they can work far [email protected] fortunately, my schedule demanded enough in advance that they avoid Features: Sarelle Azuelos 220-4376 that I take a spring class. As such, scheduling errors and the hassle of [email protected]

I had to postpone my exodus until trying to get a shift covered. Photography: Chris “Doc” Pedersen 220-4376 aft er the fi nal exam for that course While planning exams is clearly [email protected] was written. I didn’t want to hang a labour-intensive task for the reg- Production: Ændrew Rininsland 220-2298 around the city any longer than I istrar, it remains the case that it [email protected] had to and with work requiring that is their job to do so, hopefully in a Illustrations: Jen Grond 220-2298 [email protected] I return to Calgary immediately af- timely fashion. Certainly for spring Business Manager: Evelyn Cone 220-7380 ter the Stampede, I planned to leave and summer courses, it is simply too [email protected] the day of my exam, if possible. inconvenient and may carry heavy fi - Advertising Manager: John Harbidge 220-7751 So began my wait. nancial and scheduling consequenc- [email protected] Everyone knows that a plane tick- es for students when they can’t fi nd Graphic Artist: Ken Clarke 220-7755 et bought far in advance is cheaper out the date and time of their exam [email protected] than one purchased in the few until barely a month prior. Network Manager: Ben Li weeks leading up to the fl ight. Th is In the future it would be helpful Contributors Laura Bardsley • Roy Cotton-O’Brien • Rhiannon Kirkland in mind, I was dismayed when I for students if exam schedules were Meagan Meiklejohn • Daniel Pagan • Adriana Sveen Andrew Swan • the lens of Chris Tait • Tristan Taylor found that the exam schedule would posted as soon as possible. For the Viewers Like You • Andy Williams • Katherine Zelt not be posted until the third week spring and summer semesters, post- Golden Spatula(s) of the spring semester. Th e semes- ing the exam schedules with class The Entertainment section brought the awesome this week. ter condensed as it is, this meant One may argue that such a prob- which to travel, it was unreasonable registration information would be Furor Arma Ministrat Room 319, MacEwan Students’ Centre I was forced to watch my fl ight’s lem could be mitigated by simply to choose so pragmatically. Th us, ideal. Th en students may fi nd a cost University of Calgary 2500 University Drive, NW cost steadily rise while I sat help- scheduling a fl ight for the last day of the tardiness of the exam schedule’s eff ective way to avoid the 10 days Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 General inquires: 220-7750 lessly waiting for the information I exams, but then if the fi nal wound posting delayed my travel plans and when this city goes temporarily in- http://www.thegauntlet.ca needed to plan my trip. Th e fact that up being on the fi rst day, up to three led to way higher airfares. sane and everyone falls under the il- The Gauntlet is the offi cial student newspaper of the University of Calgary, published most Thursdays throughout the year by the Gauntlet Publications Society, an autonomous, incorporated body. Membership in the society is open to undergraduate students at the exam schedules aren’t posted until days may have been wasted sitting Th e problem is not merely lim- lusion that they are cowboys. U of C, but all members of the university community are encouraged to contribute. Opinions contained herein are those of individual writers, and do not necessarily represent the views of the entire Gauntlet staff. Editorials are chosen by a majority of the editorial board. half-way through the semester liter- around in Calgary with no work and ited to those planning trips for the The Gauntlet is a forum open to all U of C students but may refuse any submission judged to be racist, sexist, homophobic, libelous, or containing attacks of a strictly personal nature. We reserve the right to edit for brevity. Grievances regarding the ally meant the ticket price went up no school. It would be cheaper, but, summer. For students needing to Cam Cotton-O’Brien Gauntlet follow a three-step process which requires written decisions from the Editor, the GPS Board of Directors, and the Ombudsboard. The complete Grievance Policy is online at: www.thegauntlet.ca. The Gauntlet is printed on recycled paper and a couple hundred dollars. working with such a limited time in work during the precious months Editor-in-Chief uses policy vassel-based ink. We urge you to recycle/be next door to the Gauntlet. GAUNTLET JUNE 11.09 3 news Editor: Katy Anderson—[email protected] Canadian students discuss education policy Post-secondary kids meet at the U of C to decide what to lobby the government for

Ryan Pike that goes to our policy committee, Opinions Editor where our policy committee chair is elected and any member can sit on tudent leaders from across the policy committee to formulate Canada descended on MacE- all the policies about it.” S wan Student Centre this week As the organization has grown, it to plot out the direction of Canada’s has tackled the challenge of balanc- second largest post-secondary lob- ing the advocacy priorities of di- by organization. verse members. Sharma noted that Th e University of Calgary’s Stu- the nature of federal governance dents’ Union hosted the Canadian makes CASA’s size an asset rather Alliance of Student Associations than a liability. annual policy and strategy confer- “People say that it’s harder be- ence. Th e week-long event saw pre- cause we’re a national organiza- sentations on post-secondary issues tion, but I actually think it’s eas- as well as meetings setting the tone ier,” she said. “When it comes to for CASA’s lobbying eff orts for the federal advocacy, it’s very consen- upcoming year. sus-based and it’s very dependent Th e conference is the fi rst for on what the federal government is recently-elected CASA national di- working on and what they can do. Katy Anderson/the Gauntlet Jon Roe/the Gauntlet rector Arati Sharma as leader. It That’s very different from what is essential in ensuring policy be the provinces deal with on a local The U of C SU’s Kay She and CASA’s Arati Sharma are discussing what policy to lobby Ottawa for. directed at the grassroot level and level.” not dictated from above, in accor- Delegates from the majority of who we want to collaborate with,” dated by our membership.” campaign platform goals, working dance with CASA’s mandate, she CASA’s 24 member schools were in said Sharma. “CASA actually has a Students’ Union vice-president through a national body is some- explained. attendance, in addition to observ- framework that was brought, con- external Kay She attended not times the best option. “I think this conference is really ers from many “Last year, one of the huge gains important because we’re a national organizations, that I thought CASA had a huge organization, so for us to get to- including pro- When it comes to federal advocacy, it’s very part in was the $2 billion in de- gether, which we do three times a vincial lobby ferred maintenance funding that year . . . ensures that we’re member- groups like the “consensus-based and it’s very dependent on what we got from the government,” she driven,” said Sharma. Council of Al- the federal government is working on. said. “That was our Level 1 prior- At each policy conference, the berta University Arati Sharma ity for us to lobby on and it was membership discuss issues aff ect- Students and so important. I just think that CASA national director ing students. From there, members the Ontario University of Calgary students organize into smaller groups to an- Undergraduate get a bang for their buck when alyze topics and report their fi nd- Student Alliance. Sharma noted that structed and passed by member- only as a representative of U of C the Students’ Union pays [CASA] ings back to the assembly. the presence of other groups at the ship a couple of years ago — that’s students and a conference host, membership fees, because this is “Th en they bring those [priori- conference facilitated collaboration. our partnership framework. Th at but also as vice-chair of CAUS. She something that U of C students ties] to plenary, which is where the “Th e membership decides where framework basically states that we noted the organizations share some would not be able to achieve on entire membership decides what we want to go with our partnerships work with student groups through- common goals due to overlapping their own,” said She. they want to work on for the year,” and our executive obviously decides out Canada, provincial and federal constituents. While She said her Th e SU pays $46,000 in member- she said. “Once that is decided, what areas we want to focus on and student groups, and that’s all man- focus was to follow through on her ship fees annually. Stieber, cont’d from cover

Th roughout his tour, Stieber will preciate soldiers for the energy and encourage people to participate in eff ort that they’re putting in, but a letter-writing campaign. He has a also to respectfully off er a diff er- sample letter encouraging soldiers ent point of view and to break that to treat civilians with respect and chain of encouragement to keep us- patience. ing violence.” “Th inking back to my experience Aft er returning home, Stieber ap- in Iraq, you get a constant stream plied for conscientious objector sta- of letters and encouragement that tus. Th e investigation into the sin- say, ‘keep using force and violence cerity of Stieber’s claim took nearly as a way to solve problems,’ ” said a year before it was approved. the former soldier. “One quote I got “As of yet, I don’t think I’ve met sent throughout my deployment anyone who’s criticized me,” said was ‘we can sleep in peace at night Stieber. “I’ve gotten diff erent people because brave men are willing to do who are just curious about what I’m violence on our behalf.’ Th e letter- doing, some people who think it’s writing campaign is encouraging a great idea, people who just ask a people in the peace community to lot of questions. So far it’s been very respectfully and gently say they ap- positive.” 4 JUNE 11.09 GAUNTLET NEWS Student dollars help library Jordyn Marcellus Entertainment Editor

or students feverishly search- ing through the library’s Fcatalogue the night before a paper’s due, the Students’ Union’s library endowment fee has helped, giving them more options during its 10 years in operation. Th e money, totaling $84,381, was handed over by SU vice- president academic Meg Martin Chris Pedersen/the Gauntlet in a small ceremony Th ursday, The SU’s Meg Martin gave the library $85,000 on behalf of students. June 4 and has been used to fund numerous projects to help un- and citation-assistance programs. Martin. “Ebrary came out of that dergraduates complete school- “A couple of really neat projects fund [as well as] Refworks, a cita- work, including ebook services have come from [the fee],” explains tion system that you can use to Daniel Pagan/the Gauntlet export citations into a word docu- U of C graduates, with their proud parents in tow, packed the Jack ment, and they do tutorials on it as Singer all week to gather the diplomas they’ve worked so hard for. Mount Royal makes history well.” Th e endowment, in its 10th year Katy Anderson a degree from a Canadian univer- of operation, is funded through stu- over the 10 years the fund has doled Because the money is allocated News Editor sity, it’s top notch,” MRC president dent fees — $5 a semester for full- out over $1.1 million. Furthermore, by the SU’s library fee committee, Dave Marshall told CHQR’s AM 770. time students and $3 a semester for it has contributed to the purchase of Hickerson said that undergrads Mount Royal College got one “Th ere’s never any question of any part-timers. Vice-provost library 24,469 books and extended service are empowered to make choices step closer to becoming a university degree from any Canadian institu- and cultural resources Th omas hours during peak times — the end about the library — an essential Friday, when the institute made his- tion and that’s a credential that the Hickerson said the fund was some- of the semester and fi nal exams — service for students during their tory by handing out its fi rst bacca- rest of the world will recognize as thing he has only experienced at the by 11,259 hours. degree. laureate degrees. top notch and Mount Royal will be University of Calgary. “It also allows the library to run “It gives undergraduate students Th e 99-year-old institution grant- in that club.” “For me, the kind of relationship 24/7 during exam periods, which a sense that they actually have in- ed 29 degrees in three programs — Previously, MRC had granted nurs- that the library and the Students’ is pretty unique,” said Hickerson. fl uence,” he explained. “It’s a great bachelor of arts in criminal justice, ing degrees through a partnership Union have here is something that “I believe that the University of co-operation that allows us to bachelor of communications and with Athabasca University. MRC is I’m not familiar with anywhere else Calgary has the longest period of have a connection with the new bachelor of business administration. set to become a university later this in North America,” he said. time that it stay open 24/7, or at Students’ Union government and “Th e world knows that if you get year, pending government approval. Hickerson then explained that least one of the longest, in Canada.” that’s a very positive thing.”

Editor: Jon Roe—[email protected] sports eral manager of the British Colum- sity of ], U of A, bia Junior Hockey League Westside [University of ], Dinos hockey changes coaches Warriors, most recently. they’ve committed dollars to their “[He had] involvement at all the program,” he said. “Th e faculty has Jon Roe levels we recruit from and a good committed that money, for me, that Sports Editor understanding of the CIS from his was instrumental in my decision.” days at [the University of Alberta ft er eight seasons under Golden Bears],” said Boyles. head coach Scott Atkinson, Howell won a CIS championship Athe University of Calgary playing for the Bears in 1992 be- Dinos men’s hockey team will be fore injuries forced him to retire. moving in a diff erent direction for He also spent a season at Red Deer the 2009–10 season. Th e Dinos an- College under current Detroit Red nounced Mark Howell, a former Wings head coach Mike Babcock assistant coach for team Canada at and three seasons in the WHL with three world junior championships Chris Pedersen/the Gauntlet the Seattle Th underbirds and the and one world hockey champion- Howell was an assistant coach with Team Canada. Medicine Hat Tigers. ship, would be taking over the pro- “We were faced with a situa- gram June 3. 10–16–2 record. Prior to that, that a reality. Th ere’s a foundation that tion in hockey, men’s and women’s, “We feel we’re taking a fi rst step Atkinson led the team to seven has to be established and changed as that it was time for us to either do here towards that ever elusive goal straight second round exits. He far as what being successful and being hockey right or get out of hockey of a national championship in men’s compiled a record of 108–103–10 a champion is all about.” completely,” said Boyles. “Clearly, hockey,” Dinos Athletic Director in conference play and 15–20 in the Besides coaching with Team the decision at the University of Kevin Boyles said. playoff s before being let go by the Canada from 2000 to 2002, Howell Calgary is to do hockey right.” Th e Dinos have never won a men’s team April 14. was an assistant coach for the Bran- Aft er the Dinos made some bud- hockey Canadian Interuniversity Howell, a Red Deer native, is ex- don Wheat Kings for two seasons, getary adjustments in the summer, Sport championship and last took cited to be in Calgary. head coach and general manager of Howell feels there is the fi nancial the Canada West title in 1996. Last “My goal is to win a championship the Alberta Junior Hockey League commitment necessary to compete. season the Dinos missed the playoff s here,” he said. “Th ere’s work to be Drayton Valley Th under for three “When you look at the top pro- for the fi rst time since 1985, with a done to make that happen, to make seasons and head coach and gen- grams across the country, [Univer- GAUNTLET JUNE 11.09 5 entertainment Editor: Jordyn Marcellus—[email protected] Julie Doiron rocks on until dawn JulieDoiron musicinterview

Laura Bardsley Gauntlet Entertainment

or those who attended the Flemish Eye Ball, Julie FDoiron was a welcome treat. As soon as she fi nished her fi rst song the air in the Legion hung still and the crowd hungrily waited for more. It wasn’t her fi rst performance however — not by a long-shot. Doiron has been around for longer than most of her fans have been able to talk and her talent and ex- perience shine stronger every year. Since her band Eric’s Trip formed in 1990, Doiron has changed her music and allowed it to change her. “What’s changed me is that it’s an experience and at one point playing a few years ago, I learned how to have fun playing music and just relax and sort of rock out,” re- marks Doiron. “[I] have fun play- courtesy Killbeat Music ing it and not hav[ing] it be so Julie Doiron smiles even when doing her laundry. close to heart, because, you know, when you’re playing your own “I’ve been really impressed with with them and start new working asked about her future plans, though she hasn’t seen the fi nal cut songs it’s very hard; it’s very per- a lot of the younger people at the relationships, including one with Doiron related her schedule for the yet, she is eagerly anticipating its sonal.” meetings who are really good mu- Chad VanGaalen. next year and a half — completely release. Experience has taken its time sicians and are super cool about it. “I had a really good time [at booked. Along with music, her “We just did a video for “Consola- shaping Doiron into the guitar- Th ey don’t get nearly as nervous, Flemish Eye Ball] and part of that two children are on the top of her tion Prize” a few weeks ago, which playing musical machine that she which is great.” was because Chad and I have been list. Her eldest son, Ben, is almost was really crazy. I haven’t seen it, is. She reserves a lot of respect for In the end, however, her experi- talking about maybe doing a record old enough to join the family busi- but I’m excited to see it. I’m in it, but younger up-and-coming musi- ence pays off . In past endeavours together,” Doiron says. “In the past ness by selling merchandise at her they also have actors playing young- cians, though. she’s made many valuable connec- we’ve talked about touring together, shows — maybe audiences will be er versions of me. It’ll be interesting “Th e people who are the age that tions. Already having collaborated so that might happen.” treated to a family performance if to see, they did a great job.” I was when I started seem to have with ’s Gord Such a collaboration could be he chooses to play with his Mom. everything a lot more together than Downie, Wooden Stars and Her- fruitful, but chances are it won’t Lately, Doiron has been touring Julie Doiron plays at Broken City Thur., June 11. The when I did at the time,” she says. man Düne, she plans to continue happen for a little while. When and working on a new video. Al- show starts at 8 p.m. Ignite! explodes into Calgary “Ignite! in many ways is an op- various projects. With over 100 art- Ignite!TheatreFestival portunity to learn through doing ists participating in this year’s fes- theatreinterview and for artists to apply their skills tival, there will indeed be many a by creating a show,” says festival di- quality show. Katherine Zelt rector Ellen Close. “Th e festival is “We have a focus on providing Gauntlet Entertainment a bridge, oft en for artists who may opportunities for local artists,” she just be leaving college or a profes- says. “Sometimes, to program a great Sage Th eatre’s Ignite! Festival is sional training program who are script from a Vancouver writer, for all about showcasing the outstand- looking to transition into the pro- instance, that has great roles for Cal- ing talents of an eclectic group of fessional community and so we gary actors and has a Calgary direc- emerging professional artists from provide an opportunity for them to tor, strengthens our local community all over Canada. Situated in artis- learn through doing, but then also and also provides an important dia- tically booming Calgary, it off ers be showcased and have industry logue between the diff erent theatre an opportunity for both diversely professionals see their work.” communities and to have that [dia- talented artists and devoted art ap- Close states that the festival logue] happening at the emerging preciators to network and explore strengthens local artists and puts professional level is very exciting.” what Canadian artists have to of- them on the map. Th e festival al- fer in the areas of dance, theatre, lows artists from across the country The Ignite! Theatre Festival is in the Pumphouse visual arts and music. to collaborate with locals on their Theatre June 11 – 13. 6 JUNE 11.09 GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT An unvirtuous affair to forget EasyVirtue but exudes an innate sensuality that Biel does not quite capture. moviereview Th omas and Firth are captivating as the unhappy, bitter and resentful Silvia de Somma married couple, although stiff and Gauntlet Entertainment pretentious characters are not nec- essarily a stretch for either of these asy Virtue, a play by English reputable actors. Although nei- playwright Noel Coward ther claim top billing, their subtle E and then a silent fi lm by Al- and invigorating performanes are fred Hitchcock, is director Stephan doubtless the highlight of the fi lm. Elliott’s fi ft h movie. Depicting the Both roles are vaguely reminis- whirlwind marriage of an upper- cent of their Gosford Park and Pride class Englishman, John Whittaker and Prejudice days — when the two (Ben Barnes), to an adventurous are on screen the dialogue lights up American widow, Larita (Jessica and becomes clever and engaging. Biel), Easy Virtue highlights the ef- Although Firth’s role is shamefully fect of the union on John’s strictly small, he manages to infuse charm traditional family. and humour into his character and Veronica Whittaker (Kristin captures the audience’s grudging Scott Th omas), the clan’s matriarch, admiration and support. is trapped in a loveless marriage Th omas combines dry wit and to Jim Whittaker (Colin Firth) for nuanced infl ection, building her propriety’s sake and blatantly re- character into something more sents her son’s impulsive nuptials. than just the stereotypical prickly Her two daughters, Hilda (Kim- British matriarch. Th roughout the berly Nixon) and Marion (Kath- movie, she is revealed as a woman erine Parkinson) are respectively desperately trying to hold every- unmarried and uneligible, but con- thing together as it falls apart. She tent with their laidback lifestyle at is a creature audiences can not help the family home. Th e fi lm’s main but pity a little. focus is the clash between the free In the end, Virtue still falls short loving jazz age of the United States courtesy Alliance Atlantis of whatever it tries to achieve, which and John’s regimented English ex- Jessica Biel and Colin Firth (pictured) cut a rug in Easy Virtue is never really determined anyway. istence. While the movie relies too Th e confl ict — as well as the mov- heavily on period costuming and tinuous discord between strongly part of a 1920s vixen, she can not performances when on screen alone. ie’s potential — simmers under the music to convince the audience independent Larita and the staid, seem to hold her own next to her co- Her fl at, forced and uncomfortable surface for the duration of the fi lm, of the setting, it successfully dem- respectable Whittaker family. stars — veteran, newcomer or un- delivery somewhat shatters the illu- yet never boils over, leaving viewers onstrates the escalating and con- Although Biel defi nitely looks the known alike — despite captivating sion created by her hair, makeup and unsatisfi ed and disappointed. De- wardrobe whenever she says a line to spite a tremendous supporting cast, another character. fantastic costumes and stunning Another hiccup in a potentially visuals, Easy Virtue just doesn’t live engrossing period movie is the up to its potential. chemistry, or lack thereof, between It tries so hard to be everything the two main characters. Barnes at once that it fails to be anything fails to capture any intensity with at all. Biel that would make their ro- Nonetheless, it is fairly enjoy- mance believable. Although both able and manages to bring about a strive to create a spark, it never fully chuckle or two. If nothing else, it comes across. Th is leaves a poten- should be commended for attempt- tially passionate marriage merely ing to revive a jazz-era story of a an awkwardly intimate friendship. British-American cultural confl ict Th eir artless rapport is heightened with such well-intentioned, yet ulti- by Sarah Hurst (Charlotte Riley), mately misguided enthusiasm. Burns’ particularly likeable ex-girl-

friend and neighbour, who not only Easy Virtue opens at the Scotia Bank Chinook has a palpable connection with him Theatre Fri., June 12. GAUNTLET ENTERTAINMENT JUNE 11.09 7 spun REVIEWS

Iggy Pop novel La Possibilité d’une île (Th e Possibility Of An Island), which Iggy Préliminaires refers to as being about “death, sex, the end of the human race and some (EMI) other pretty funny stuff .” Naturally, the lyrics are bleak and Iggy sings them convincingly in his deep and weathered tone. he last song you’d expect to open a new Iggy Pop release is 1945 “I Want To Go To Th e Beach” is a wistful ballad in which he confesses French jazz standard “Les Feuilles Mortes” (Autumn Leaves), to “hating/the shit life throws my way/hating/waiting/to make my es- Tsung in French no less. Préliminaires — which translates as cape.” New Orleans jazz trumpets swirl on “King Of Th e Dogs,” while Foreplay — is Iggy’s 15th solo recording and is an eclectic mix of jazz, he sings from a canine’s point of view. Th e electro-dirge of “Je sais que blues and subtle electronics. Clearly this isn’t the Iggy we’re accustomed tu sais” features guest vocalist Lucie Aimé eerily whispering all of her to, but this unexpected direction is a fresh approach for the oft -referred lines in French. “Party Time” off ers disco dance beats while “He’s Dead/ to “godfather of punk.” As he recently stated in a promo video, “At one She’s Alive” is an acoustic Cajun blues tune. “Nice To Be Dead” is the only point I just got sick of listening to idiot thugs with guitars banging out guitar-driven rock track. crappy music.” Despite the mix of various musical forms, Préliminaires works well as a Préliminaires was inspired by French author Michel Houellebecq’s 2005 whole and is a successful venture off of Iggy Pop’s roughly beaten path.

Chairlift you can listen to Does You Inspire You without lachek’s voices are all quirky and cool — in Does You Inspire You tapping a limb to their simple, catchy beats, “Evident Utensil” Pfenning’s voice goes hi- (Kanine Records) you win 20. lariously low while the drums are reminis- Does You Inspire You is a great Sunday morn- cent of ’80s greatness. Th e breathlessness of Consisting of vocalist/guitarist Aaron Pfen- ing-at-work album. It’s the perfect soundtrack Polachek’s voice is also widespread, ranging ning, vocalist/keyboardist for shaking off a hangover from late night par- from pleasant to annoying. Th e use of the and drummer , Charilift are tying, but won’t cause a migraine. Some songs, background instruments, however, during in- a low-key and engaging group. Th ey’re best like “Somewhere Around Here,” are insanely strumental breaks — inluding melodic brass known for extremely catchy single “Bruises,” simple and calming, while others, like “Bruis- clinking — is grand. which was featured in Apple’s commercial es” or “Garbage,” are more serene and poppy. All in all, Does You Inspire You, however unin- debuting the 4th generation Nano. If you can As a whole, Does You is worth checking out, spiring, is still a pretty decent album. say their last names, you win 10 points, but if especially for the vocals. Pfenning and Po- ..Laura Bardsley

Meatdraw Right away, Fin Du Monophone grabs your bitious. Th e album carries the concept Fin du Monophone attention and frames the album with the fre- through 75 per cent of the time, balanc- (Self Righteous Records) netic and fun “Are We Gonna Die?” Th e fi rst ing a mixture of fast and slow songs to handful of songs are driving folk music lib- keep the pace going. However, it seems In the music industry, names are an impor- erally interjected with doses of horns as the like they’re so worried about everyone hav- tant way of managing expectations. Vic- band contemplates the end of the world. It’s a ing a good time that they don’t let the slow- toria’s Meatdraw may sound like a metal strange balance to strike, juxtaposing a post- er songs be anything more than slowed- band, but they are not. Th eir website de- apocalyptic lyrical landscape with intricate down versions of the fast ones. scribes them as a “carnival exorcism dance and cheerful instrumentation, but Meatdraw Nevertheless, Fin Du Monophone is an infec- band,” which isn’t a bad label for their brand strikes it perfectly — for most of the album, tious collection of music. Some bands defy of energetic, folksy music. Th e six-piece’s at least. labels, but carnival exorcism dance band fi ts second album, Fin Du Monophone, is a Th e fl aws in Fin Du Monophone emerge, Meatdraw like a glove. solid gateway into their work. in part, from the group being too am- ..Ryan Pike

Green Day timistic Gloria. Th ese two contrasting indi- ing of modern society. Lead single “Know 21st Century Breakdown viduals allow Green Day to show the youths’ Your Enemy” gives voice to a generation (Reprisel) reaction to modern culture. of youths betrayed and unsure of who is Breakdown stands apart from the majority of responsible for the current social wrongs. When asked to, most people character- mainstream pop and rock by demanding that “Restless Heart Syndrome” — reminiscent ize Green Day as an emotional band. Th eir it be listened to as an album, as opposed to a of the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” — gives Glo- sound, loaded with anger, fear and confusion, collection of songs. It marks yet another di- ria’s persona a clear voice. “See the Light” came to a head in their last album, American verse change in the band’s sound, infusing a is a fi tting end to Breakdown. “Light” Idiot. Th e political anxiety that facilitated Id- heavy dose of crunching brit-rock into their culminates the story in a chockablock iot is no more, as their latest LP, 21st Century already formidable fi st-pumping punk aes- fashion, leaving listeners assured that the Breakdown, focuses on larger social ills. thetic. young couple have hope to right humanity’s Breakdown tells the tale of of two characters: Th e story begins with “Song of the Cen- wrongs. the pessimistic Christian and the more op- tury,” introducing a cynical understand- .. Roy Cotton-O’Brien